HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS-GEAR REVIEWS FOR HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY, HUNTING: GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION

HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS-GEAR REVIEWS FOR HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY, HUNTING: GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Lowa Ranger GTX

GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Lowa Ranger GTX

Despite the distinctive dark navy blue color specific to the Wide version of the Lowa Ranger GTX, this is the best all around boot we evaluated.

When I consider all of the things that I like to do in the backcountry, I am pretty sure that I could do all of them reasonably well in the Lowa Ranger GTX boots. That is a tall order to fill in my opinion. What's more impressive to me is that of the 128 pairs of boots and shoes that we have looked at during this process there is really only one other boot that came close to winning the all around title. That runner up is the Kayland Contact eVent which will be described in greater detail in a subsequent article.

Now don't get me wrong, there are a bunch of other boots that I really liked but they just didn't achieve that perfect and elusive balance of weight, support, flexibility, features and quality to achieve decathlon winner status.  Fit is incredibly important to a positive foot wear experience but because feet are so unique we try not to put too much emphasis on it. However, I really do prefer to promote boots that are offered in widths or at least a wide and narrow version. Lowa is one of the good guys in this respect. Aside from the fact that they make damn fine products, they go the extra mile to accommodate their customers with wide, narrow and extended sizes in many of their models. That is commendable and makes it easy for me to recommend them to you.

Here are the particulars on the Ranger GTX .

Class-Heavy Hiker but on the lighter side of the range
Height-8 inches, 7 loops/cleats
Materials-Nubuck leather and a low protective rand made of heavy weight rubber circles the entire boot
Insulation-none but the medium thickness lining is uniformed throughout and conforms and holds the foot very well
Waterproofing-leather is treated for water repellantcy and they have a Gore Tex waterproof breathable liner
Cushion-moderate-a nice balance between comfort and support for 50 lbs loads and difficult terrain
Flexibility-excellent but it doesn't seem to come at the cost of support.  They are not sloppy or soft but also not board stiff. Good toe spring and forward propulsion characteristics.  Features the Supination/Pronation Support System. These are very stable boots that feel nimble and precise.
Tread-Vibram MVS outsole is sticky and stiff enough to handle difficult terrain and rock but remains very easy to walk in.  Lugs could be a touch more aggressive.
Volume-medium to full. Arch support is very good and the heel cup is comfortably snug.
Width Availability-Yes-the Ranger GTX is available in wide and extended sizes (15 and 16).
Weight-my 45s (Mens 11.5US) weigh 1 lbs 15 ozs per boot
Crampon Compatibility-yes-but strap on only
Quality-high-"Handcrafted in Germany"
Break In-very little required, they were comfortable out of the box and I put 7 miles on them the first time out with no problems

The three quarter gussetted tongue lays down comfortably when laced up. Lace loops and cleats are made of sturdy metal and make adjustments fast and easy. The mid tongue cleat keeps the laces in the correct position.

The Ranger seems to have been designed with moderation in mind for everything but quality materials and workmanship which are top notch. They are sturdy and supportive but not too hard or stiff. The all leather construction, low rand and Vibram outsole are protective but don't dull the senses of the boots.  They are well cushioned but not so much that they are sloppy.  Even their dimensions are middle of the road. However, out of all this moderation comes a pair of boots that inspires confidence and are very well suited to do a lot of things.

While there is nothing particularly spectacular about the interior of these boots, they are uniformly comfortable and supportive.

So, what does it mean to be the best all around boot in our review? Well, I guess it means that if you could only afford to have one pair of good boots for all of your basic outdoor activities, these are it. It also means means getting all of the attributes of a bigger, heavier duty, more expensive boot in a light to mid weight package that works for pretty much anything. Is this the best trail runner? No. Is this the best boot for extreme loads, extreme terrain or light mountaoineering?  No. You could get by with them for those things but for everything else in between, the Lowa Ranger GTX work beautifully.

My only request of Lowa is that they get rid of the Navy blue color or make the wide versions also available in Antique Brown. It just doesn't fly well with my hardcore outdoor image. Fortunately, once you wear them and get them dirty, the blue looks like a flat black.

EDITORS POST SCRIPT-The Spring Summer 2009 line offers the Ranger GTX in three colors. Antique Brown and Navy in regular and wide sizes. Dark Brown in regular, narrow and wide sizes.  For 2010 the Rangers are also avaliable in an 8 inch version.

Congratulations Lowa. Keep up the great work.

Stay tuned for the foot wear wrap up article. It will highlight the top 18 boots and shoes that Hardcore Outdoorsmen have to have in their gear locker.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.